Prelude to Pemberley: Caroline’s Hopes Rise

Welcome to our Pride & Prejudice prequel! P&P: Prelude to Pemberley tells the story of the time leading up to the events of Pride & Prejudice, including what Darcy and Elizabeth were doing and thinking, Georgiana Darcy’s story, the events of Ramsgate, how Mr. Bingley came to lease Netherfield, and much more! Join us on our journey as the Austen Variations authors post the events of 1811 in real time on the date they happened – 214 years in the future.

Caroline’s Hopes for Darcy Rise

August 13, 1811,

London, Mr. Hurst’s townhouse

Miss Bingley eyed Mr. Darcy across the drawing room and smiled. She could not have been more pleased with the way things were going. For so long she had focused all her considerable charms on her brother’s handsome (and exceedingly rich) friend. Finally, those efforts seemed to bearing fruit. She had at last succeeded in arousing Darcy’s interest. What else could account for his nearly continual presence in their midst of late?

Oh, there had been nothing overt in his attentions, no obvious change. In fact, he was nearly as circumspect as ever. He spoke mainly to Charles – of Georgiana, of  Pemberley, and of the idea of Charles acquiring an estate of his own. But that was simply a disguise. Only someone as astute as herself would have deduced that his real motive was to be near her, to make a favorable impression on her, as well as to secure her brother’s favor, that his permission would be quickly forthcoming once Darcy made his intentions clear and came to the point.

Caroline could be patient a little while longer. Good things were worth waiting for. And after all, the man could not help being reserved, could he? In fact, Caroline considered it one of his most attractive qualities. Not as attractive as his bank balance, to be sure, but rather endearing nonetheless. He needed her, plain and simple, and no doubt he now recognized that fact. He needed her to ease his way in society, to teach him to come out of his shell a little.

Besides, who wanted a loud, showy man? She did not. She wanted to be the one to shine in their relationship, at least in public. In private? Well, she had an idea that Darcy’s reserve would quickly drop when they were married and behind closed doors…

Oh! But he was speaking, and she had failed to attend!

“What did you say, Mr. Darcy? Forgive me, but I was not listening.”

“You are forgiven. I was simply inquiring if you were quite well. You seemed to be somewhat listless and staring strangely.”

“Did I? I mean, was I?” She laughed, coquettishly. “Well, I suppose my thoughts had escaped into a private reverie for a few moments. And a very pleasant one it was too, I must say.” She wagged her finger at him. “It is no use asking me what – or who – my reverie entailed, though, Mr. Darcy. I would not tell you for the world, though I can guess how much you must want to know.”

“I should imagine not, Miss Bingley. Indeed, I want no such thing, I assure you. I would not dream of invading your privacy.”

Mr. Darcy then rose and crossed to the other side of the room to gaze out through the windows into the darkness.

“Poor man,” thought Caroline. “He is so obviously embarrassed, having been caught out showing his concern and attentiveness, wanting to know I am well and what I am thinking. He cannot admit how much he cares for me. Not yet. Soon, though. I am convinced it will be soon.”

Read all the scenes in Prelude to Pemberley here!